Minnesota Wild sets marks in big Western conference result

Check out my gamer and notebook from the Wild's 5-2 victory Friday against the Vegas Golden Knights. And now for some things that didn't make either of those.

First of all, some random stats. I believe this was Vegas' biggest loss since a 7-4 result at Winnipeg on Dec. 1, so that's something for the expansion-team-that-could. The Wild also tied a franchise record with a 10-game home point streak. This also marked the seventh-consecutive game with a power-play goal for the Wild, which is the longest streak since eight in 2007. And with 122 points this season, the Wild's defense leads the league in points right now.

"Confidence begets confidence," Wild coach Bruce Boudreau said of the special teams' play. "It’s the same thing the other way around when you’re not scoring. You don’t get confident, you get a little worried every time you’re out there. But right now, I’ve got both units that one night one is playing good on the power play, the next night the other unit might be really good. It’s a good combination right now."

This was also defenseman Mike Reilly's first game back after being a healthy scratch for six. With the trade deadline approaching, Reilly made the most of his playing time.

"I thought the first half of the game, he was outstanding. And then I think he got a little nervous when he fell the one time," Boudreau said. "When he's carrying the puck like that and making plays, he's a very good player. He did a good job."

Also a fun fact that with Reilly getting an assist and Nate Schmidt and Erik Haula scoring for Vegas, three former Gophers teammates all found a place on the stat sheet in one game.

After four seasons with the Wild, Haula is having a career year with Vegas, already with 20 goals and 19 assists. He said his success on the new team isn't just a matter of having a coach's trust and confidence.

"I think it's a mixture of things," he said. "Obviously, I've gotten a good opportunity, and [Vegas coach Gerard Gallant has] given me a chance to play with good guys and gave me an offensive role. I just try to do my best out there."

Anyway, thanks for coming to my TED Talk. Sarah is in Dallas for Saturday's game. I'll be back before you know it.